Warren Ellis Wraps North America Tour, Teases Dirty Three

Composer thanks fans post shows alludes to Hollywood gig and June Aussie film screenings!!

By Pratibha Pratibha linkedin_icon

Warren Ellis has officially wrapped up his North America tour with Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, taking a moment to thank everyone involved in making the run a standout success while unveiling plans for a new Dirty Three show and the Australian debut of his documentary film.

A Triumphant Tour Finale

In a recent Instagram post, the celebrated composer wrote, “Thanks everyone for making this one of the best tours ever. @atcmanagement @elliottlefko @nickcaveofficial the crew who always take it to the limit. My people.” He went on to salute promoters ATC Management and Elliott Lefko, as well as longtime collaborator Nick Cave, crediting the team for their tireless work behind the scenes. Fans across the continent responded with messages of gratitude, reflecting how much Ellis’s energetic violin, keyboards, and guitar stylings have resonated on stage. Milestone dates included sold-out nights in Chicago’s Riviera Theatre and New York’s Beacon Theatre, each highlighting the band’s powerful cohesion.

In Portland, Ellis paused mid-set to remark on an artisanal ceramic plate gifted by a local fan, writing separately “Thanks Portland. One of the most beautiful things I’ve been given. Thank you @emilieshepherd44 for this wonky plate.” That nod to intimate fan interactions underscores the rapport he maintains in every city.

Next Up: Dirty Three In Hollywood

Rather than slowing down, Ellis used his final tour update to look ahead. He teased a one-off Dirty Three performance set for March 2026 at Sunset Marquis in Hollywood. Formed in 1992 alongside drummer Jim White and bassist Mick Turner, Dirty Three earned acclaim for their instrumental blend of folk, jazz, and rock. Reflecting on their US debut, Ellis recalled an old Instagram memory of the band’s first major show at The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, writing that the “fusion with attitude” that night laid the groundwork for a career defined by raw emotion and musical exploration. “It’s a promise,” he added, confirming the trio’s return to North America.

He singled out Sunset Marquis as “the perfect late-night listening room” for Dirty Three’s signature improvisations, promising an evening “where every note hangs in the air.” Details on ticket availability are expected on Live Nation and the band’s official channels early next year.

Ellis Park: From Stage To Screen

Beyond live dates, Ellis offered a sneak peek at Ellis Park, his forthcoming documentary tracing life on tour and the creative process behind the scenes. In his post, he noted “Ellis Park the movie @ellisparksumatra screens June in Australia” at Sydney Film Festival and Melbourne’s Astor Theatre, with distribution handled by Good Thing Productions, Madman Films, and Screen Australia. Earlier from San Francisco, he’d shared a candid snap with vocalist Wendi Rose Fixer, captioning “Lidl for life … Me and @wendi_rose_fixer get the vocals together for penultimate show in San Francisco. See you in Australia for presentation of Ellis Park the movie @ellisparksumatra @sydfilmfest in June.” The film is backed by a slate of indie funders and promises an intimate portrait of an artist always in motion.

A Storied Musical Journey

Ellis first made his mark as co-founder of Dirty Three before joining Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds in 1994. His partnership with Cave has yielded some of the Bad Seeds’ most lauded work, including string arrangements on The Boatman’s Call (1997) and collaborative scores for films such as The Proposition (2005) and The Road (2009). His soundtrack collaborations extend to the BBC’s Taboo series (2017) and the indie thriller Road to Paloma (2014), showcasing a talent for underscoring narrative with evocative sound.

With Dirty Three, he has released pivotal albums from Horse Stories (1996) and Ocean Songs (1998) to Cinder (2005), inspiring a generation of post-rock and instrumental groups with their emotive soundscapes. Known for seamlessly merging classical training with punk-rock sensibilities, Ellis has built a reputation as one of contemporary music’s most versatile instrumentalists.

Festival organizers are already praising the film. Sydney Film Festival director Nashen Moodley called Ellis Park “a candid journey that blurs the line between performance and private reflection,” and Melbourne’s Astor Theatre plans a post-screening Q&A with Ellis. Early passes are available through official festival sites, supported by Screen Australia’s initiative to champion homegrown talent in cinema.

Looking ahead, Warren Ellis shows no sign of slowing down. With a landmark Dirty Three date on the horizon and Ellis Park poised for its Australian premiere, the next chapter in his multifaceted career is already taking shape. Keep an eye on official channels for details on tickets and screening schedules in 2026 and beyond.

disqus_comment
Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.

Read full bio of Pratibha
Latest Articles